Kimbrell Fiber Innovation Center - Machine Connections Extrusion Project

Gaston College is seeking qualified contractors for the Kimbrell Fiber Innovation Center Machine Connections Extrusion Project located in Belmont, North Carolina. The procurement involves providing and installing critical infrastructure including electrical, plumbing, and ventilation systems for specialized extrusion equipment. Specific deliverables include installing three exhaust fans with associated ductwork and fume hoods, seven compressed air drops and water lines, twenty-seven electrical circuits, and a new distribution panel. The project requires precise coordination around scheduled classes and events, with work preferentially conducted on weekends and evenings. A mandatory pre-bid conference is scheduled for September 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM, with sealed bids due by October 10, 2025, at 2:00 PM. The entire project must be completed by December 1, 2025, with contractors expected to adhere to strict site-specific requirements and state regulations.

The contract includes a specific 10% minority business participation goal, requiring contractors to make good faith efforts to solicit minority bids for contracts under $300,000. Contractors must provide comprehensive insurance coverage, including worker's compensation, public liability, and property damage insurance with specified minimum coverage amounts. Payment terms include processing contractor pay requests within 30 days after project supervisor acceptance, with retainage not exceeding 5% and potentially reduced after 50% project completion. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the detailed infrastructure requirements suggest a substantial investment in modernizing the Fiber Innovation Center's technical capabilities. Additional contract restrictions include prohibitions on tobacco use, weapons, and specific guidelines for contractor interactions on the campus, emphasizing a professional and controlled construction environment.